Things To Do
in Sweden
Sweden is a Scandinavian country known for its stunning natural landscapes, including vast forests, thousands of lakes, and picturesque archipelagos. Its capital, Stockholm, is built on 14 islands and features a rich history, vibrant culture, and innovative design. Sweden is renowned for its high standard of living, extensive welfare system, and commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
Additionally, it boasts a strong economy, a high level of social equality, and a progressive approach to various social issues.
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tack" - Thank you
- "FörlÄt" - Sorry
- "Ja" - Yes
- "Nej" - No
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $70 - $250
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- â Coffee: $3 - $6
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through Gamla Stan, the historic heart of Stockholm. Enjoy a coffee and pastry at a local café while soaking in the beautiful architecture.
Visit the Vasa Museum to see the preserved 17th-century ship. Afterward, take a boat tour around the cityâs archipelago for stunning views.
Head to Skansen, an open-air museum that showcases Swedish culture. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant nearby.
Depart for Sörmland, known for its beautiful landscapes. Start with a hike in the scenic Tyresta National Park.
Relax by one of the many lakes and enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature. Explore the charming town of Trosa with its quaint shops.
Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant while watching the sunset. Embrace the tranquility of the countryside before heading back to Stockholm.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High quality of life with a strong welfare system
- Excellent education and healthcare services
- Progressive social policies and strong emphasis on equality
- Beautiful natural landscapes and a commitment to environmental sustainability
- Low crime rates and a safe living environment
- High overall cost of living, particularly in major cities
- Cold climate with long winters and limited daylight in some regions
- High taxes, which can be a burden for some residents
- Language barrier for non-Swedish speakers, although many Swedes speak English fluently
- Cultural differences and potential challenges for immigrants to integrate
Best Activities in Sweden
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore spectacular trails in Abisko, known for its stunning landscapes and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Paddle through the beautiful archipelago, enjoying serene waters and picturesque islands.
Experience one of Sweden's largest ski resorts, offering slopes for all skill levels and breathtaking mountain views.
Ride through scenic coastal paths and charming villages in this picturesque region of southern Sweden.
Set up camp amidst ancient forests and scenic lakes, ideal for outdoor lovers and tranquility seekers.
Experience deep-sea fishing for various species while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.
Join a thrilling dog sledding adventure through snowy landscapes, an unforgettable experience in the Arctic wilderness.
Discover Sweden's untouched nature and spot unique wildlife such as reindeer, moose, and some of the most pristine landscapes.
Explore the stunning underwater life and coastal scenery of Sweden's first marine national park.
Join locals in celebrating Midsummer with traditional activities, games, and maypole dancing in the beautiful outdoors.
Tours
Uncover the best of Sweden with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Sweden
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning rock formation that juts out over Lake Ringedalsvatnet, offering breathtaking views and a popular photograph spot.
This famous hiking trail provides numerous vantage points with stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys, ideal for photography.
An extensive network of islands featuring beautiful shorelines, quaint villages, and picturesque landscapes, perfect for scenic photos.
An ancient stone ship set on a cliff in SkÄne, providing panoramic views of the coastline and the Baltic Sea.
Known for its wild, untouched nature, offering dramatic mountain views and a unique atmosphere for adventurous photography.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and coastal views, making it great for capturing historical beauty.
This picturesque waterway is lined with lush landscapes, charming locks, and historic buildings, providing numerous opportunities for stunning photos.
Featuring a variety of plants and beautifully arranged gardens, it is an excellent spot for colorful and serene floral photography.
Abisko National Park is one of the best places to view and photograph the Northern Lights, offering a dramatic backdrop of snowy landscapes.
Known for its stunning views of the surrounding region, Milshed Mountain offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Food in Sweden
Sweden Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These iconic meatballs made of ground beef and pork are served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. A must-try dish found at many Swedish restaurants, including the famous IKEA cafeteria.
Must-Try!
Cured salmon served with mustard sauce, typically enjoyed as an appetizer. For authentic gravlax, visit a local seafood restaurant like Ăstermalms Saluhall in Stockholm.
Crispy potato pancakes often served with sour cream and lingonberries, found in local diners. Try them at a traditional Swedish restaurant like Pelikan in Stockholm.
Fermented herring, a notorious delicacy known for its strong smell. It's a unique experience best tried at a local food festival or specialty shops in coastal areas.
Dumplings made from potato and flour, typically filled with meat. A popular dish in northern Sweden, where you can find it in local eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Sweden better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Stockholm's most famous food halls, offering a wide variety of Swedish delicacies, including cured fish, meats, and artisanal cheeses. It's the perfect spot for gourmet street food.
A vibrant market in Stockholm featuring fresh produce, flowers, and street food stalls selling traditional Swedish snacks like korv (hot dogs) and waffles.
Located in Södermalm, this area hosts various food trucks and stalls serving modern twists on classic Swedish dishes, including vegan options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is highly valued in Swedish culture. Arriving late to meetings or social gatherings is often seen as disrespectful.
Swedes prioritize equality and often practice humility. It's important to avoid boasting about achievements and to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their status.
Swedes generally appreciate personal space and may be more reserved in public interactions. It's essential to respect people's personal space and to engage in conversations at a comfortable distance.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Sweden with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Sweden
Ensure a smooth experience
In Sweden, tipping is not a common practice as service charges are generally included in the price of goods and services, particularly in restaurants and cafés. It is considered polite, however, to round up the bill or leave small change (typically 5-10%) for exceptional service. Tipping is more common in tourist areas and for taxi drivers, but it is still not obligatory.
Payment in Sweden is predominantly cashless, with most transactions being conducted through debit and credit cards or mobile payment apps like Swish. The use of cash has declined significantly, and many shops and services may not accept cash at all. In restaurants, it is customary to pay at the cashier rather than at the table, and digital invoices are also a common practice for payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Sweden.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Sweden (March to May) is a beautiful time as nature begins to awaken. Expect mild temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C and blooming flowers. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and to see the northern lights in early March.
Summer (June to August) is the warmest season in Sweden, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Longer daylight hours provide plenty of opportunity for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the stunning landscapes. Midsummer celebrations are a highlight.
Autumn (September to November) features cooler temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, making it a picturesque time for nature walks. Expect occasional rain and increasingly shorter days.
Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures, often dropping below 0°C, especially in northern regions. Sweden transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and experiencing the northern lights. Christmas markets and activities add festive cheer.
Sweden at Night
Hiking in Sweden
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Kungsleden, or 'The King's Trail', is a famous hiking route in northern Sweden, stretching over 440 km through the stunning landscapes of the Swedish Lapland.
Located in Dalarna, SÀlenfjÀllen offers beautiful mountain scenery and various trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
This national park is known for its breathtaking waterfalls and the ancient tree, Old Tjikko. There are numerous trails that allow hikers to explore its diverse flora and fauna.
Although technically located in Norway, the Trolltunga hike is popular among Swedes and offers an iconic cliff viewpoint over Ringedalsvatnet lake.
This long-distance trail runs through Ăstergötland County, offering scenic views, forests, lakes, and charming villages along the way.
A scenic trail located in the scenic region of SkÄne, Mörksjöleden features diverse landscapes including forests, lakes, and open fields.
A long-distance trail that stretches over 1,000 km through SkÄne County, showcasing Sweden's southernmost landscapes, coastlines, and rich history.
Located in Swedish Lapland, Abisko is known for its stunning mountain scenery and is a gateway to the Kungsleden trail.
This trail runs through BohuslÀn and is popular for its coastal scenery, offering a mix of woodland and shoreline hikes.
Gotland offers numerous coastal and inland trails, allowing hikers to explore its unique landscapes, beaches, and medieval ruins.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Sweden through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Sweden by plane.
The largest airport in Sweden, located approximately 40 kilometers north of Stockholm city center. It serves as the main international gateway for passengers traveling to and from Sweden.
The second largest airport in Sweden, situated about 25 kilometers northeast of Gothenburg. It handles both international and domestic flights.
Located just 7 kilometers from Stockholm city center, Bromma is primarily used for domestic flights but also offers some international destinations.
Located about 28 kilometers northeast of Malmö, this airport serves both domestic and a limited number of international destinations, particularly in Europe.
Located in UmeÄ, it offers flights to several domestic and some international locations. It's important for connections within northern Sweden.
Situated just outside LuleÄ, this airport serves as an important hub for air travel in northern Sweden, with several domestic flights and limited international services.
Located in Finland, approximately 400 kilometers from Stockholm, this major international airport serves as a key transit point between Europe and Asia.
Denmarkâs main airport, situated around 600 kilometers from Stockholm, serving numerous international destinations and acting as a hub for Scandinavian Airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People with Swedish ancestry or those who identify as Swedish, making up the majority of the population.
Individuals from other European countries, including Finland, Germany, and Poland, representing a significant portion of the demographics.
Refers to people from various Middle Eastern countries, including Syria, Iraq, and Iran, who have immigrated to Sweden.
Individuals from African countries, including Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan, forming a notable demographic group in urban areas.
Includes people from Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, and China, contributing to Sweden's diversity.
Individuals from Latin American countries, including Chile and Argentina, who are part of Sweden's multicultural landscape.
The Soul of Sweden
Discover the essence of Sweden through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Sweden, with a strong following and many amateur and professional clubs.
Ice hockey is very popular in Sweden, with the country being home to several successful teams and a strong national team.
Handball has a large following in Sweden, with both men's and women's leagues enjoying significant popularity.
Basketball has been growing in popularity in Sweden, particularly among the youth, with several professional teams.
Athletics is widely practiced in Sweden, with many clubs and a strong tradition of success in various events.
Tennis is popular in Sweden, with numerous clubs and a history of successful players in international competitions.
Golf is a popular pastime in Sweden, with many courses and a strong community of players.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Swedish restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, especially in larger cities. Popular vegetarian options include salads, vegetable-based gravies, and traditional dishes like rotmos (mashed root vegetables).
Vegan options are increasingly more available, with specific restaurants dedicated to plant-based cuisine. Cafes like Hermans in Stockholm offer a fully vegan buffet.
Sweden is accommodating to gluten-free diets, with many restaurants providing gluten-free alternatives. Look for signs stating 'glutenfritt' on menus, or ask staff for specific options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Sweden with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sweden.